(WLUK) — Voters will decide a winner Tuesday in the race between three Republican candidates running to represent Northeast Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District.
State Sen. Andre Jacque, former State Sen. Roger Roth, and businessman Tony Wied make up the three-way primary. The winner will go on to face Democrat Kristin Lyerly in the Nov. 5 general election.
The race appeared twice on Tuesday’s ballots. Voters will first elect candidates to serve the remainder of former Rep. Mike Gallagher’s term, through Jan. 3, and then elect a candidate to serve the regular two-year 2025-27 term.
The 8th District represents roughly 730,000 people, or about 12% of Wisconsin’s total population. It covers a large portion of Northeast Wisconsin.
Live team coverage will be provided throughout the evening, with a reporter covering each campaign.
State Sen. Andre Jacque
Jacque’s team will be gathering at the Cedar Creek Event Center in De Pere, eagerly awaiting the results for the 8th District race.
Similar to Roth, Jacque is leaning into his experience as a state legislator. He was first elected to the state Assembly in 2010 and later to the state Senate in 2018.
Jacque has billed himself as the “proven conservative choice.” He first announced his candidacy for the 8th Congressional District seat in March.
Jacque has been active on the campaign trail, making appearances at numerous events and parades in the district. He has emphasized that a top priority, if elected, would be to better secure the southern border.
Jacque is endorsed by prominent groups, including the National Association of Police Organizations, Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz, and Wisconsin’s 6th District Congressman Glenn Grothman.
Doors at the Cedar Creek Event Center open at 8 p.m.
Former State Sen. Roger Roth
The American Legion in Appleton is where businessman and military veteran Roger Roth will be meeting with supporters Tuesday.
Roth, who was the first Republican to enter the race for the 8th Congressional District, announced his candidacy in February, just hours after former Congressman Mike Gallagher announced he would not seek re-election.
Roth has focused his campaign on three main priorities: securing the border, restoring American values, and ending what he calls “Bidenomics.” He aims to fix what he describes as the “disastrous policies” of the current administration.
This is not Roth’s first campaign for Congress. He previously ran for the same seat in 2010 but was defeated in the primary. Roth has served in the state Senate for eight years and in the state Assembly for four.
The 46-year-old Appleton native was also the Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 2022.
Doors at the American Legion open at 7:45 p.m. Roth will be in and out and will address supporters after the results are in.
Tony Wied
Tony Wied announced his candidacy at the new Legacy Hotel in the Stadium District four months ago and hopes to be celebrating a primary victory there Tuesday night.
Throughout his campaign, Wied has emphasized the endorsement he received from former President Donald Trump, prominently featuring it on his campaign signs and in his ads.
Donald Trump Jr. campaigned for Wied in De Pere, further solidifying his ties to the former president. Wied has also positioned himself as the only Republican candidate without a political background, previously owning a chain of gas stations.
The doors to Wied’s gathering open at 8 p.m., but he will not address supporters until the results are in.
Implications and Future Trends
The race for the 8th Congressional District is not just a local election; it reflects broader national trends in American politics. The increasing polarization of political candidates, as seen with Jacque, Roth, and Wied, is indicative of a Republican Party that is leaning into its conservative base. The candidates are not only vying for a seat but are also shaping the narrative of what it means to be a Republican in a state that has seen its political landscape shift in recent years.
The emphasis on border security and economic policies, particularly in the context of “Bidenomics,” is a clear reflection of the current administration’s challenges. As economic concerns continue to dominate the political discourse, candidates who can effectively address these issues are likely to resonate with voters.
Moreover, the role of endorsements from high-profile figures, such as Donald Trump, in shaping campaign dynamics is a trend that is likely to continue. As candidates seek to differentiate themselves, the influence of such endorsements can sway undecided voters and solidify support from the base.
Looking ahead, it is essential for candidates to not only focus on their immediate race but also to be aware of the national implications of their policies and rhetoric. As the political landscape evolves, the ability to connect with a broader audience while maintaining a strong base will be crucial for success in future elections.